Optimising Energy Demand in Rural Communities via Precision Agriculture Technology (SWIFT)

Due to the high irrigation and related energy load requirements of farmers growing horticulture crops, ability to analyse historical and future irrigation/energy demand is crucial to assess feasibility/develop mini-grids and monitor energy-demand fluctuations during implementation. This project will develop SWaDE (Satellite based Water Demand Estimation) to provide historical and future irrigation demand to project energy demand, assess the applicable energy sources mix (hydro/solar/wind) and provide detailed mini-grid design. By producing a technology that will de-risk mini-grid developments via the reliable, affordable and efficient information it supplies, SWaDE will incentivise investors to enter the rural electrification energy market in sub-Sharan countries.